Education

Step Back in Time to the

Thrilling Days of the Old West!

Old Tucson offers a full range of educational adventures to complement your classroom history, social studies, science, summer program or theater curriculum. Show your students Old Tucson from a new perspective or bring the adventure to them with a presentation at your site.

Our Programs

Make learning an adventure

Are customized for your students’ age group

Feature Western historians, re-enactments and hands-on activities

For details on Education Adventures, call (520) 883-0100, ext. 7281.

Education Adventures

Life of a Miner: A look at Arizona mining and minerals

Experience a day in the life of a miner in the 1880’s, including a look at clothing, nourishment, tools and much more. Students will explore gems and minerals in this fun and exciting program. Enhance your experience with Panning for Gold ($2 additional per student).

Mountain Men: Fur Trapping in the 1800's

Experience the rugged and challenging life of a fur trapper in the 1800’s. Students will examine a sampling of tools, clothing and food.

Adobe Brick Making

Get up to your elbows in history with this program on the building techniques used by the Tohono O’odham. Mold your own bricks using mud and straw. (Availability subject to weather conditions.)

A Visit to the General Store

Our costumed storekeeper will introduce your students to this uniquely American institution, which gave flavor and personality to the Old West. Your students will learn about its multifaceted role in the community and how the general store contributed to the area’s settlement.
This program is an engaging way to learn about worldwide trade, household economics, pricing systems, profit margins and customer service – 19th century style.

The Chuckwagon

In this Western adventure, the young‘uns will learn about the history of the chuckwagon, including the kinds of equipment and food needed for cattle drives lasting almost six months. Do you know what the terms “Arbuckles” or “airtights” mean? Find out: Schedule your group today!

Behind the Scenes: Sound, Lights and Special Effects

Find out what it’s like behind a real working movie set by touring our Mission Set. Students will talk to a trained technician who will describe the various tasks that make Old Tucson shows so amazing. Students will learn about how stunts are performed, how movie angles affect the stunts, sounds that are used, and explosive effects that create dramatic scenes.